The Golden Lions Rugby Union is pleased to announce the appointment of ex-Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli, as General Manager: Professional Rugby and Commercial.

Golden Lions Media Release

Straeuli’s appointment will commence immediately and the role will see him manage all senior player recruitment and contracting, oversee all professional rugby operations and manage medical and technical staff.

Commenting on Straeuli’s appointment, Golden Lions Rugby Union CEO, Manie Booysen expressed his enthusiasm at having such a prominent figure on board at the Union.

“We are thrilled to have an administrator of Rudolf’s calibre joining the GLRU,” he said.

“Administrators with the same set of skills, accomplishments and qualifications are hard to come by in this industry so we are very happy to welcome Rudolf on board and we believe he will contribute a great deal to the Union – especially now that the Lions will return to Super Rugby.”

Straeuli, who represented the Golden Lions from 1993 to 1996, is looking forward to re-joining his previous Union after a lengthy tenure in a similar role at The Sharks.

“I am really excited to join the Golden Lions Rugby Union and I am looking forward to fitting in to the Union’s plans and structures,” shared Straeuli.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Lions and their strong brand and I am glad I can further my career with them. I am also incredibly proud of the Union for the challenges that they were able to overcome in 2013.

Commenting on his departure from The Sharks, Straeuli shared that one of his goals for the future is to establish a strong relationship between the Durban-based franchise and the GLRU.

“I feel that synergy in the rugby industry is important and I believe that two rugby unions working in tandem can only benefit and grow the game as a whole,” he said.

“I see my new position as a unique opportunity for both The Sharks and the Lions to work closely together in future.”